Beaver

/ˈbiː.vər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A large semiaquatic rodent known for building dams, canals, and lodges.

The beaver is known for its ability to alter environments by constructing dams.

The fur of a beaver, used in textiles and fashion.

The hat was made of high-quality beaver fur.

A person who works hard or is industrious, sometimes used informally.

He's such a beaver, always the first one to start a project.

verb

To work energetically or to be industrious.

I need to beaver away on my report before the deadline.

To make or maintain a dam.

The beavers began to beaver the riverbank, creating a new dam.

Old English 'beofor', of Germanic origin.

busy as a beaver

Very busy; industrious.

beaver away

To work hard or diligently.

dam

A barrier built to hold back water.

lodge

A shelter built by beavers out of branches and mud.

A slang term for female genitalia.

He used the term 'beaver' in a crude joke.

To perform oral sex.

The term 'beaver' can be used in slang contexts to refer to that act.